Dr. Leslie Thomas-Washington

I attribute my success to the foundation my parents, both educators, instilled in me. Truly, education found me. Over my 33 years in public education, I have learned that the real impact is not measured by titles, but by the communities that shaped me and the students who trusted me. My journey began in classrooms full of possibility and in hallways where hope needed fierce defenders. As principal of Vogt Elementary in Ferguson from 2009 to 2019, I inherited more than a building; I inherited a mission. Together with our teachers and community, we achieved 100 percent academic growth and earned the Monsanto School of Excellence Award in 2013, a testament to the resilience and dedication of the entire community, even during the challenging times following the Mike Brown tragedy. Today, as Assistant Superintendent in the Jennings School District, I oversee Student Support Services and federal programs, supervising a team of 20 dedicated professionals committed to removing barriers that hinder student success. I take pride in fostering partnerships with organizations like Washington University, Athenia Healthcare, and Maryville University to ensure every child has access to healthcare, expanded learning opportunities, and the resources they need to thrive. I absolutely love what I do, and my greatest joy comes from supporting teachers and students and seeing them succeed.

Looking back, the greatest reward in my career has not been recognition or accolades, but witnessing young people find their footing, grow their confidence, and return years later to say, “Thank you. You made a difference.” To aspiring educators, I would say: stay patient, meet students where they are, stand strong when the work is hard, and always remember that your attitude is the lesson before the lesson. Times have changed, and students face challenges very different from when I first started, so it is vital to lead with empathy, remain positive, and be mindful that you never fully know what a student may be experiencing. The ability to listen, understand, and respond with compassion is as important as any academic instruction you provide.

A lot of times as educators you don't know the impact that you have on your students and you always want to lead by example but I've seen a lot of great educators experience burnout and I've also seen a lot of young professionals steer away from becoming an educator just due to the demands This role requires you to be more than just a teacher it requires you to be many facets of a student's life because you don't know what they're going through at that time.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are equity, service, integrity, resilience, and collaboration. I am committed to ensuring every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed. I dedicate myself to community organizations and public service as an extension of educational leadership, and I maintain professionalism and composure, especially during challenging moments. I believe in transforming struggling schools through persistence, teamwork, and belief in students, while building strong partnerships with universities, healthcare providers, and community agencies. My service extends beyond my office walls, and through organizations like AASA, The Links Incorporated, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, I remain rooted in the work of uplifting communities. Public service is not an accessory to my profession it is the backbone of it.